Wisdom teeth recovery

Immediately after surgery

If you had IV sedation, drowsiness, grogginess, and unsteadiness are expected for the rest of the day. Rest at home, do not drive or operate machinery for 24 hours, and have a responsible adult stay with you. Local-anesthetic numbness usually lasts 2–8 hours.

• Bite firmly on the gauze and remove it after 45 minutes. If oozing continues, replace it for another 45 minutes.
• Once bleeding is controlled, drink full liquids and eat soft foods without using a straw.
• Start the prescribed pain plan when you get home. If instructed, begin with one prescription-strength ibuprofen dose and do not exceed four per day; use narcotic pain medicine only as prescribed and with food.
• Apply ice for 20 minutes every 2 hours during the first 24 hours and keep your head elevated.
• Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and do not smoke for at least 10 days.

Bleeding, food, and stitches

• Some oozing for 24–48 hours is common. For active bleeding, place rolled gauze directly over the site and bite firmly for 45 minutes. Do not rinse or spit vigorously. If needed, use a moistened tea bag for 30 minutes.
• Most stitches dissolve in 2–7 days and do not need replacement.
• Use liquid and soft foods for 2–3 days: yogurt, pudding, soups, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, pancakes, sorbet, popsicles, or milkshakes without straws.

Days two through four

• Swelling may peak on day 2. Bruising or yellow, black, or blue discoloration near the cheek or neck can take about a week to fade.
• Brush the night of surgery, but not directly over the wound.
• Avoid strenuous work and exercise for 5–7 days.
• By day 3 or 4, advance to foods requiring minimal chewing. Avoid nuts, sunflower seeds, popcorn, and chips for the first week.
• If lower-lip or chin numbness remains after one week, call the office.

Socket irrigation beginning on day 3

Call for ongoing pain, swelling, fever, or a bad taste. Dry socket can cause pain that radiates toward the ear or along the jaw 3–7 days after extraction.

Beginning on day 3, fill the syringe with warm water, place the curved tip directly into the lower wisdom-tooth socket, and flush gently but firmly until debris is gone. Repeat 2–3 times daily. Mild bleeding can occur; irrigation may continue for 2–3 weeks.